02 July 2020

Rain increases gas check workload in Melbourne

The unusually high rainfall volumes being experienced across Melbourne this year have generated a substantial lift in safety check workloads by one of the city’s gas distribution businesses.

Multinet Gas Networks – part of the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) – reported today extremely high workload levels currently for its safety and maintenance crews related directly to impacts being caused by the city’s ongoing rainfall battering.

And householders have been urged by Multinet not to hesitate to ask for help if they suspect the rain has caused a weather-related gas issue on their properties.

Multinet’s General Manager, Network Operations, Mr Mark Beech, said it remains the Company’s top priority that the safety of all its customers and the general community is assured, even within challenging weather environments.

“A considerable amount of ongoing work including upgrades, is underway across our Melbourne system this winter to ensure all customers are kept warm and connected,” Mr Beech said.

“We do remind and urge customers, however, that if they are concerned about a smell of gas, please contact Multinet’s faults number, 132 691. This operates 24 hours a day and is designed to have responders on site within 1 to 4 hours of a call, even in peak demand periods,” he said.

“This ensures a situation can be reviewed and any action taken, if appropriate. Some gas leaks do require considerable investigation as they can be difficult to locate.”

“All leaks are assessed for safety and will be monitored until they can be identified and repaired.”

Mr Beech reminded gas consumers that if they could smell gas in their house, all gas appliances should be turned off immediately, including any pilot lights. Householders should then turn off their gas meter – (the majority of which are mounted at the front or side of their premises). This could be activated by turning the lever and making sure it is in the horizontal position.

Mr Beech said that once such safety precautions were enacted, residents should remain clear of the area to ensure there is no further risk of ignition.

About AGIG

Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) has approximately 2 million customers across every mainland state and the Northern territory, 34,000km of distribution networks, over 4,000km of gas transmission pipelines, 52 petajoules of gas storage capacity and remote power generation. AGIG’s vision is to be the leading gas infrastructure business in Australia – by delivering for customers, being a good employer, and being sustainably cost efficient.

In 2017, Australian Gas Networks (AGN), Dampier to Bunbury Pipeline (DBP) and Multinet Gas Networks (MGN) came together to form AGIG. The combined distribution, transmission and storage assets make AGIG one of the largest gas infrastructure businesses in Australia.

For further information contact

Mark Beech, 
General Manager, Network Operations 
Australian Gas Infrastructure Group
T (03) 8845 4618